Malik Obama, the estranged half-brother of former President Barack Obama, has stirred controversy by claiming that his more famous sibling is still influencing the direction of the United States government. Malik, who has become a vocal critic of the Democratic Party, recently suggested that Barack Obama is "still running the country" behind the scenes, a statement that aligns with previous claims made by figures such as former President Donald Trump. Malik also warned that if Vice President Kamala Harris were to ascend to the presidency, Obama would play a significant role in shaping the administration.
Speaking during an interview with The New York Post, Malik Obama, 66, declared, "He's still running the Democratic Party, and he's still running the country behind closed doors." This comes after Malik alleged that his half-brother was instrumental in replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee in the upcoming 2024 election with Kamala Harris. "Definitely, he had something to do with it... I'm sure that they are talking almost every day," Malik continued, referring to the supposed influence Barack Obama continues to exert over Democratic leadership.
Malik's relationship with Barack Obama has been strained for years. Once close enough to serve as the best man at Barack's wedding, Malik has since distanced himself, citing dissatisfaction with the former president's leadership and policies. He first turned his back on his brother during Barack's second term, becoming an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump in 2016. Malik has repeatedly criticized his half-brother for becoming "rich" in the years following his presidency, calling him "arrogant" and a "disappointment."
"I had a lot of expectations that he didn't live up to," Malik remarked. "He's just becoming rich, that's all. He's not like the person he used to be." Malik also shared his discontent with the Democratic Party as a whole, calling its members "hypocrites" who fail to live up to their promises. Malik contrasted this with his admiration for Donald Trump, praising the former president for being "fearless" and "forceful" in his leadership.
Malik's remarks also touched on Kamala Harris, the current Vice President. He questioned her qualifications and effectiveness, asking why she had not accomplished more during her time in office. "All these things that she's saying that she is going to do when she is the president-why didn't she do all those things when she has been in office for four good years?" Malik questioned. He expressed frustration at what he perceives as media leniency toward Harris, claiming that the press has failed to scrutinize her adequately ahead of the 2024 election.
Despite the bombshell nature of Malik's accusations, they echo a sentiment previously voiced by other prominent figures. Donald Trump, at a rally earlier this year, suggested that Barack Obama has been heavily involved in the current administration, stating, "I think Barack Obama has a lot to do with the running of the country right now, and we can't let that happen." These conspiracy-like claims highlight a growing narrative among certain conservative circles that the former president continues to wield substantial influence within the Democratic Party.
While the allegations made by Malik Obama have not been substantiated, they have generated significant public interest. Malik, who has endorsed Trump in every election since 2016, has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of the Democratic establishment. He has also expressed dissatisfaction with Barack's charitable efforts, particularly in relation to Chicago, where the Obama Foundation is based. Malik critiqued his half-brother's work in the city, saying, "Chicago has, I don't know, the worst crime rates... So what's he mentoring?"
